My Elkhound and one Sheltie have their Therapy Dogs International certification and they have to pass the CGC to get the TDI. They can go to nursing homes and places like that for visits with the TDI. Even the CGC is a big reassurance for people if you have your dog in public a lot. A lot of the test is basic obedience so its worth getting especially if you have a dog that people might be afraid of on looks alone.